Obieri at 70: We trust in God

By Ebele Orakpo

Dr Raymond Chukwugozie Obieri, a consummate banker who has traversed the financial sector of the economy for nearly 50 years, last weekend celebrated his 70th birthday with thanksgiving service at Our Saviour's Church, TBS and launch of his autobiography - Testimony of Divine Grace at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. After the well attended ceremonies graced by the Living Fountain Orphanage established by the celebrant’s family and eminent Nigerians from various sectors of the economy such as Dr Alex Ekwueme, Admiral Allison Madueke, Justice George Oguntade, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Igwe Laz Ekwueme, Apostle Hayford Alile and Dr Joseph Sanusi among others, who showered tributes on him and urged Nigerians to emulate his virtues, Obieri spoke with journalists, saying his trust and confidence in God got him this far. Excerpts:

Becoming a septuagenarian:

“Well, the most important thing is the grace of God. There is no magic about it. You devote your life to doing the right things and pray to God to keep you going. So it is with great joy and pleasure that I testify that God kept me going despite all the challenges. I feel so happy and grateful to God.

When I look back nearly 50 years ago when I started my banking career and where God has taken me, I feel fulfilled and very joyful.

Most important attribute:

Trust in God and confidence in self. With these two, there is nothing you cannot surmount.

Business ethics that ensured you kept your integrity intact:

The most important business ethic is honesty. If you deal with people and they perceive you as an honest person, you find out they will have trust in you and they will help to market your business. In the end, one success will lead to another and you will have no limit.

Success despite humble background:

I think it is entirely God’s grace and one being focused. Luckily for me also, God gave me above average intelligence and brain which enabled me to excel in my studies. Everything still boils down to God’s grace.

God has been there for me and that is why my book is entitled; Testimony of Divine Grace.
Advice to the youth:

My advice to them is to be focused, honest and also to appreciate God because the more you appreciate what God has done for you, the more you will cause more blessings to come your way. It is not by your might, it is by the special grace of God.

On the direction Nigeria is going:

There are two ways to look at it. When I was 20 years old, the country had made tremendous progress because with my community as a reference point, we didn’t have means of transportation but now, we have access roads and you can move easily from one location to another. When I started secondary school, I used to trek six miles to get transport to Enugu but now, I get transport right in front of my house. So in that aspect, we have made progress. But when you compare our progress to other countries that were on the same level with us some 50 years ago, then we have a lot of catching up to do.

Job creation/Privatisation

"This is one area that government should focus on. Youth unemployment is one of the easiest ways of creating youths with poisoned minds and that is why there is insecurity all over the place. Having said that, the entire world is going through global economic crisis. You can see the situation in Greece and Cyprus, it is not limited to Nigeria but ours is worse than theirs. I believe the government is paying attention because they are seeing the figures and I don’t think they will allow it to continue like this.

I think privatisation, for instance, of the former NEPA, is in the right direction because any private investor will like to run it profitably and he will put money into it. Now, we have GSM, people can call from anywhere. When Nigeria Airways died, many private airlines came on board so we do not queue again or run to catch a plane as if you were running to catch a bus. I think they are moving in the right direction by privatizing some of those sensitive industries that will create employment.

Nigeria’s education sector:

"Because there were not as many institutions as we have now, generally, the standard of education has been very low and continues to be low but the private schools are keeping up standard. In our days, there was nothing like private schools. We had only three universities when I left secondary school in 1960. So you can imagine that only the best got in there. The teachers and all the employees were committed.

ASUU/FG face-off:

"I will not delve into what government is doing or not doing because I am not part of government but I am sure they are fully aware of the impact on the community and I think they are talking. They will resolve it.

I think in the last few years, there has been lowering of standard of integrity. During our time, the purchasing power of our currency was high. If what we pay the teachers is enough for them to sustain themselves, they will not resort to all these. So the low value of the currency vis-a-vis purchasing power is what causes all this. But I believe staying focused on the part of government; will help surmount all these problems.

Nigeria will not break up

"I think God brought us together. When you hear of this break up, it is from politicians who want to score a political point. Average Nigerians from different tribes live in peace so I don’t think it is going to materialise. It is politicians that are fanning the embers of division instead of unity.

Secret of your youthfulness:

"It is by the grace of God, but having said that, there is nothing like aging gracefully. When you are aging, your body tells you you are aging no matter your look, so don’t be deceived.

Traits that helped in the past that are lacking today:

"As we started progressing, competition and the rush to get rich quick set in, that, I believe, was part of the things that eroded honesty and being modest and I am sure with government doing the right thing, the youths will eventually imbibe the spirit of being honest, focused and not running a rat race."